These insects were given their name in the Middle Ages when they were dedicated to "Our Lady" in gratitude for their ridding crops of harmful insect pests.
Some people find it a nuisance when lady beetles come into their houses in large numbers to hibernate. The best course of action is to sweep or vacuum them up gently, and seal cracks to prevent them from gaining entry (Klaas 1998).
Ladybugs are more properly known as lady beetles, because "bug" applies most accurately only to insects in the order Hemiptera.
Non-native lady beetle species have been introduced into North America for additional aphid control, and there is some concern that these species are displacing native species like the Two-Spot. (Marshall 2000)
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
Can be a nuisance if large numbers get inside houses (Klaas 1998, Fleming 2000).
This species helps control populations of aphids that are agricultural and horticultural pests.
Lady beetles feed on aphids and other small insects, insect eggs, and mites.
Native to North America (Marshall 2000).
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )
Lady beetles will live in nearly any vegetation, as long as there are aphids or other small insects to eat.
Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland ; chaparral ; forest
Adult two-spotted lady beetles are 4-5mm long, and ovoid in shape. The head and thorax is black with yellow markings. Their undersides are black to reddish-brown; Their elytra (wing covers) are orange with one black spot on each side. The larvae are elongate, with soft bodies, and are black with yellow and white spots (they look a little like tiny alligators) (Marshall 2000, Milne & Milne 2000).
Range mass: 0 to 0 kg.
Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Females deposit bright yellow eggs on the underside of leaves and other locations near potential food sources for the larvae. Pupae are black with yellow dots and are found hanging from leaf surfaces. Adults in the North live through the winter; there can be more than one generation in a year.
